From the thrifty wanderer to the novice party-goer, meet the diverse group of personalities you’re likely to encounter on your backpacking journeys across the globe.

The Thrifty Nomad: Making Every Penny Count

The Thrifty Nomad is a backpacker who turns budget travel into an art form. They can be found bunking in the cheapest hostels, hitchhiking or walking great distances to avoid transportation costs, and their backpacks often carry the battle scars of countless adventures. This person will look like they haven’t showered in weeks with impressive dreadlocks to prove it. Their resourcefulness is unparalleled, stretching funds to last months or even years longer than the average traveler. With a knack for finding free attractions and the best street food deals, The Thrifty Nomad often has the richest experiences despite having the shallowest pockets.

Their travel philosophy hinges on the belief that the best things in life are free or close to it. They’ll swap clothes and knowledge with locals instead of currency, seek the cheapest options over comfort, and often end up with the most authentic and transformative travel experiences. Their ingenuity is contagious, and they often inspire fellow travelers to reconsider what it means to truly ‘travel on a budget’.

The Party Rookie: Learning the Hard Way

Meet The Party Rookie: Baby-faced, grew up sheltered, but eager to taste the wild side of travel. They step into the world of backpacking with dreams of endless parties and social escapades. Funded by benevolent parents or a saved-up allowance, they dive headfirst into the nightlife of each new city. However, their lack of experience with substances and unfamiliarity with their limits often lead to trouble. They are the ones who underestimate the potency of local brews or overestimate their own tolerance.

The morning after is a tough lesson for The Party Rookie, often filled with regret and a pounding headache. Despite the rough start, these encounters serve as a rite of passage, teaching them valuable lessons in moderation and self-awareness. They may start as the baby-faced novice, but many emerge wiser, more responsible, and with a wealth of cautionary tales to pass on to the next batch of party rookies they meet along the way.

The Compulsive Shopper: Unable to Resist a Sale

The Compulsive Shopper backpacker is the one whose backpack seems to expand with each new destination. Driven by an insatiable urge to acquire souvenirs and artisan goods, they can’t help but be lured in by the colorful market stalls and the persuasive sales pitches of local vendors. Their journey is a series of transactions, their memories tied up in tangible goods rather than intangible experiences. The Compulsive Shopper views the world as a treasure trove of keepsakes, each item a physical representation of a place or a moment.

The downside to their shopping sprees is the ever-increasing burden of carrying their finds. With each new acquisition, their backpack becomes a little heavier, their mobility a little more limited. Yet, they can’t seem to shake the thrill of the hunt for the perfect item. For The Compulsive Shopper, the challenge lies in learning to balance the joy of purchasing with the freedom of traveling light.

The Begpacker: The Worst type of Backpacker

The Begpacker has become a notorious figure in the backpacking community. They are typically characterized by their choice to finance their travels by asking locals and other tourists for money. It’s not uncommon to find Begpackers in popular tourist destinations, with signs explaining their plight or performing street acts in hopes of earning some cash.

Their presence has sparked controversy and debate within the travel community, as many feel that this approach is disrespectful and reflects poorly on genuine travelers who save and budget for their trips. Begpackers are often criticized for their entitlement, as they rely on the generosity of others to fund an experience that is considered a luxury. Begpackers are idiotic human-beings who fly across the world with no money, with the intent to sit on the side of the street with a sign asking for others to fund their trips, all while they are playing on their smartphone.

The Entrepreneurial Traveler: Funding Adventures Creatively

The Entrepreneurial Traveler is the backpacker who has turned the world into their marketplace. They travel not just to see the world but to make a living from it, selling handmade jewelry, offering street performances, or reading tarot cards for a small fee. They understand that to sustain their nomadic lifestyle, they must tap into their entrepreneurial spirit and create opportunities for income on the go.

Their approach to travel is as much about survival as it is about adventure. They set up shop in bustling tourist hubs, sharing their crafts and skills with those who pass by. It’s a life of uncertainty, but one that is rich with freedom and the satisfaction of self-reliance. For The Entrepreneurial Traveler, each new destination is not just a place to explore, but a potential market to thrive in.